Naturopathic Medicine
What is 'Naturopathic Medicine'?
Naturopathic doctors are highly educated primary care providers who integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary care that addresses the root cause of illness or disease and promotes health and healing using natural therapies. The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of the illness rather than simply treating or suppressing symptoms. While naturopathic care helps to alleviate specific symptoms, NDs are primarily concerned with addressing the root cause of an illness: the focus is more on the why of a disease than the what.
Are Naturopathic Doctors Regulated?
To practice in Canada Naturopathic Doctors must graduate from one of 6 Naturopathic schools accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). Candidates must have successfully completed the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) to practice in North America, followed by Ontario board examinations before being Registered with the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy to practice Naturopathic Medicine in Ontario. Naturopathic Medicine is currently regulated under the Drugless Practitioner’s Act (DPA).
What Can I Expect From a Typical Visit?
An initial consult with a Naturopathic Doctor is about one hour in length, a typical follow-up is a half-hour. A detailed history is taken about your overall health including physical, mental and emotional, and a complaint-oriented physical exam may be performed. Often routine blood/urine testing is completed and further testing may be suggested. Your treatment plan will be discussed and a personalized plan will be put in place to help you achieve your health goals.
What Types of Treatment May be Offered?
Your treatment plan will be individualized to your health care needs. Naturopathic Doctors treat with a broad range of Natural therapies including:
- Clinical Nutrition
- Botanical/Herbal Medicines
- Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture
- Nutraceuticals (Natural Supplements)
- Homeopathy
- Physical Medicine
- Prevention and Lifestyle Counseling
What Types of Conditions can be Treated?
Everything!
From acute conditions like injuries, common cold, flu/virus, earaches, allergies etc to more chronic conditions such as headaches, fatigue, insomnia, digestive problems, male/female health issues, skin conditions, etc. Naturopathic Medicine can also be beneficial in promoting optimal health even in the absence of a health condition – such as dietary advice, counseling, improving energy, improving performance and screening physical exams and disease prevention.
What Types of Testing May Be Used in a Diagnosis/Treatment Plan?
The same blood/urine tests offered by medical doctors can be performed by your Naturopathic Doctor. In addition there are a number of additional forms of testing that may be performed to aid in Diagnosis including: Hair Toxic Element Screen, Salivary Hormone Testing, Blood Allergy Testing (igG/IgE), Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis and Stool Microbiology.
Is Naturopathic Medicine Covered by my Extended Health Benefits?
Most Likely! All Naturopathic Doctors have a billing number which is recognized by insurance companies. Some, but not all, insurance companies rmay have limits or caps on the coverage offered. Check your plan for details.
Table Of Contents
- FAQ
- Forms
- General Questions
- Sport Medicine
- Sport Physiotherapy
- Sport Psychology
- Sport Podiatry
- Sport Massage Therapy
- Naturopathic Medicine
My family and I have been going to Toronto SEMI since 1999. We are an active family, involved in numerous sports such as skiing, running, wakeboarding, biking, football, you name it. As such everyone in my family has paid a visit to Toronto SEMI for consultation with the Sports Medicine Doctor, Physiotherapist, Massage therapist or Podiatrist. We have always found the staff to be very knowledgeable, supportive, considerate and available. Sports injuries are no fun but we know we have found a place that we can go to that we trust when we have a problem. I highly recommend Toronto SEMI to anyone.
